New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2559

Introduced
5/12/22  

Caption

Codifies State Workplace Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy.

Impact

The bill is designed to strengthen protections against workplace harassment and discrimination within state government. It requires state agencies to take disciplinary actions against any employees who violate these laws, regardless of whether the conduct meets established legal definitions of discrimination. This broad approach aims to create a safer and more respectful workplace environment, potentially leading to a decline in harassment cases. By enforcing annual reporting requirements, the bill also seeks to maintain transparency and accountability regarding how harassment complaints are handled within various agencies.

Summary

Senate Bill S2559, also known as the State Workplace Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Act, aims to codify existing policies regarding workplace harassment and discrimination in state agencies. It establishes clear guidelines for submitting complaints related to harassment or discrimination based on various protected categories, including race, gender identity, age, and more. Additionally, the bill mandates that all state agencies provide training for employees and supervisors on these provisions, ensuring that awareness and compliance are promoted throughout the workforce.

Contention

While the bill has received support for its intention to enhance workplace protections, there are notable concerns regarding its implementation. Some critics argue that it may place an undue burden on state agencies by requiring them to not only comply with the bill's mandates but also to maintain detailed records and reports. Furthermore, the provisions may be perceived as incorporating a risk of retaliatory actions against employees who bring forth complaints, despite protections against retaliation being embedded in the legislation. Balancing the enforcement of these measures with the rights of the complainants versus the organizations and individuals accused of misconduct may be a focal point of future discourse.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2545

Requires adoption of and training on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy by certain campaign committees; creates Office on Discrimination and Harassment Prevention; appropriates $2,000,000.

NJ S2544

Concerns unlawful discrimination and harassment.

NJ S2840

Concerns unlawful discrimination and harassment.

NJ A1248

Requires adoption of and training on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy by certain campaign committees; creates Office on Discrimination and Harassment Prevention; appropriates $2,000,000.

NJ A2062

Requires adoption of and training on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy by certain campaign committees; creates Office on Discrimination and Harassment Prevention; appropriates $2,000,000.

NJ A3127

Requires revision of State Legislature's anti-harassment policy; specifies investigation of discrimination and harassment complaint process.

NJ A1691

Concerns unlawful discrimination and harassment.

NJ A2443

Concerns unlawful discrimination and harassment.

NJ SB00428

An Act Protecting Interns From Workplace Harassment And Discrimination.

NJ SB4902

BE HEARD in the Workplace Act Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination in the Workplace Act

Similar Bills

NJ A3127

Requires revision of State Legislature's anti-harassment policy; specifies investigation of discrimination and harassment complaint process.

HI HB758

Relating To Sex-based Discrimination.

HI SB1010

Relating To Sex-based Discrimination.

NJ S2840

Concerns unlawful discrimination and harassment.

CA AB1556

Employment discrimination: unlawful employment practices.

RI H8195

Dignity At Work Act

CA SB493

Education: sex equity.

CA SB530

Construction industry: discrimination and harassment prevention.